Renamed street in Bay Terrace honors memory of hero policeman

Hilton Flores/Staten Island AdvanceUnveiling of sign renaming Durant Avenue for Russel Timoshenko draws a big crowd to Bay Terrace intersection.STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- It was on a quiet Bay Terrace street with chalk-white homes and neat square lawns that hero New York City Police Detective Russel Timoshenko lived from the time he was 14 until he was slain in the line of duty, nearly two and a half years ago, at age 23.

His parents — who have come to symbolize strength, grace and courage as they fought for stronger gun control laws and gracefully attended dozens of ceremonies from Midland Beach to Albany and Washington honoring the memory of their only child — now will see his name on a street sign every time they round the corner from Buffalo Street to their home on Durant Avenue.

And generations to come also will be able to gaze up at the name of the man shot in Brooklyn in July 2007 during a traffic stop, and learn about a life of service and sacrifice, said Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly, speaking today the street renaming, also attended by lawmakers and hundreds of Timoshenko’s colleagues, admirers and friends.

"Every night after work, Russel came home to the home he shared with his parents," Kelly said, describing the short, shining career of Timoshenko, who graduated in the top of his class at the Police Academy. "We know they were the source of his work ethic, his drive to succeed. We know it because we see it in the example of their perseverance in the face of terrible loss."

The New York City Police Department is a force with a long memory, and enduring ties to its fallen greats, he said.

"He confronted mortal danger on behalf of all New Yorkers so others would be safe," Kelly said. Nearby was a giant poster with a photo of Timoshenko, smiling gently. "With the unveiling of this street sign, we add one more assurance he will never be forgotten."

The choice to become a police officer is made out of commitment to community, said City Councilman Vincent Ignizio (R-South Shore).

"This is about memorializing a tragedy but also about celebrating a life," said Ignizio. "Pay him back with pride. His bravery was unmatched — for that we express our gratitude. We are honored to have the memory of this hero in our midst."

Timoshenko’s cousin Anatasiya Apanpasyuk described how he had arrived on the street, an awkward new kid on the block, but quickly made friends, spending long summer nights playing lacrosse outside. She described the prom photos taken on the front lawn, and how her cousin had proudly parked his first car in front of his parents’ home.

"Whenever you pass this street, remember Russel," she said.

Bagpipes skirled as a black sheath was pulled off the green sign.

A low-flying NYPD helicopter buzzed the air. Kelly handed Timoshenko’s mother, Tatyana, a copy of the sign, which she held between outstretched arms in front of her heart.

His father, Leonid, stood by her side, in quiet tears, a picture of his son and a cross dangling on a chain around his neck.

"This means a lot because my son’s name will always be here and people will always remember," said Mrs. Timoshenko, after the ceremony.